428 Dr Aitchison on Botanical Features of the [sess. liii. 



tain range and rock formation, is that of a continuous succes- 

 sion of rolling downs, consisting of a loamy, sandy soil, 

 covered with a pasturage of herbs and grasses. The absence 

 of trees and shrubs on this down country is not due to 

 climate, I should say, but rather to the continuous grazing 

 for centuries past of goats and sheep. To note the effect 

 of from 5000 to 10,000 goats and sheep suddenly spread- 

 ing over one of these pasturages, is heartbreaking to a 

 botanist. Locusts are nothing to them. 



On the top of the Chashma Sabz Pass, fine trees of Juni- 

 perus excelsa were numerous, and in the gorges and deep 

 cuttings, the Hawthorn, Cratccgus oxyacantha ; the Oleaster, 

 Elceagnus Jiortensis; the Cotoneaster, Cutoneaster mimmularia ; 

 a new species of Prunus, P. calycosus ; some species of 

 Uronurus ; Rheum Pihes ; with roses, brambles, and bar- 

 berries, could be recognised. The most interesting of 

 these subsequently proved to be the Cotoneaster, which in 

 this locality yields from the surface of its branches, in 

 certain seasons only, a manna called Shir-Khist (curded 

 or hardened milk), much valued Ijy the natives, and largely 

 exported, through Herat, to Cabul and India. The Oleaster 

 is interesting as being the indigenous form of the cultivated 

 tree; its fruit is collected to be eaten, as well as to be 

 crushed for oil. The wood is considered valuable in the 

 construction of bridges. The new Prmviis, P. calycosus, is 

 remarkable in liaving no corolla, and in having its calyx 

 coloured as if it were the corolla. The bark of the root 

 is largely employed in dyeing, and for this purpose is valued 

 Ijy the Turkomans. 



In continuing our march at Palounda, 6th December, in 

 the deep valleys amongst the hills, I came across trees 

 of a wild pear, the fruit of which is said to be dried and 

 converted into Hour, to be subsequently made into bread. 

 A jungle of the Jujube Anab, Zizyphus vulgaris, apparently 

 in an indigenous condition, grew nnich in the same way 

 as it does wliere indigenous in Kashmir. The cultivated 

 form, without spines, yields the fruit of which the natives 

 are very fond, and wliich is carried by them as a luxury 

 on long journeys. We found here Berhcris vulgaris, the 

 fruit of which, collected by the Afghans, is dried, preserved, 

 and exported to India as Zirislik, The Afghans are very 



